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Which Sonos Speakers Can You Use as Surrounds with a Beam?

Sonos lists Era, One, Five, Play and SYMFONISK models as Beam (Gen 2) surrounds, with limited pairing exceptions and a portable-speaker option.

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For a Sonos Beam (Gen 2), Sonos lists Era, One, Five, Play and SYMFONISK speakers, along with Amp and Connect:Amp, as surround options. It also supports two matching Move 2 speakers or two matching Sonos Play portable speakers under additional setup requirements. The Beam’s generation matters: the official model list here is for Beam (Gen 2), and it does not establish the complete compatibility list for Beam (Gen 1).

Beam (Gen 2): compatible surround options

Sonos’s surround sound guidelines and limitations list these options for Beam (Gen 2):

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  • Era 100, Era 100 Pro, Era 100 SL and Era 300
  • Five
  • One (Gen 1), One (Gen 2) and One SL
  • Play, Play:1, Play:3 and Play:5 (Gen 2)
  • SYMFONISK Bookshelf (Gen 1 and Gen 2), Picture frame, Table lamp (Gen 1 and Gen 2), and Floor lamp
  • Amp and Connect:Amp, used to connect speakers rather than serving as standalone wireless speakers

Two matching Move 2 speakers or two matching Sonos Play portable speakers are also supported with Beam (Gen 2), but they have additional setup requirements described below.

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Do the surround speakers have to match?

Usually, yes: Sonos’s rule is to use two speakers of the same model. For example, two Sonos Ones work together, while a One and Play:1 do not. Sonos identifies specific exceptions: One and One SL can be paired, as can the SYMFONISK Floor lamp and Table lamp (Gen 2). Do not assume other models in the same family can mix; check the exact combination against Sonos’s compatibility guidance.

#1 Best Overall
Sonos Era 100 - Black - Wireless, Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker (Pack of 2)
  • The information below is per-pack only
  • Powered by a 47% faster processor, the next-gen dual-tweeter acoustic architecture produces detailed stereo separation while a 25% larger midwoofer deepens the bass.¹
  • Place this speaker anywhere and everywhere you want to listen. The compact design fits beautifully on your bookshelf, kitchen counter, desk, or nightstand.
  • Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter.²
  • Go from unboxing to unbelievable sound in just a few minutes. Simply plug in the power cable, connect your phone or tablet to WiFi, and open the Sonos app.

Portable surrounds: Move 2 and Sonos Play

Sonos’s portable surround setup instructions support a matching pair of Move 2 speakers or a matching pair of Sonos Play speakers with Beam (Gen 2). To use this setup:

  • Enable the home theater speaker’s microphone.
  • Add each portable speaker to the Sonos system as a separate room before configuring the surround pair.
  • Use the current Sonos app.

The portable speakers connect wirelessly. Sonos’s listed portable option is for Beam (Gen 2); these instructions do not establish compatibility with Beam (Gen 1).

Rank #2
Sale
Sonos Era 100 SL Compact, Microphone-Free Speaker - Black
  • Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer deliver rich, balanced stereo sound with deep bass.
  • The perfect start or addition to your system, Era 100 SL makes Sonos sound more accessible.
  • Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.
  • Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
  • Trueplay fine-tunes Era 100 SL for the unique acoustics of the room.

What to know before setting up surrounds

Placement and lost features

Sonos recommends placing the speakers behind and to the left and right of the usual listening position, with both in the same orientation—vertical or horizontal. When a speaker is configured as a surround, it loses AirPlay, Bluetooth audio playback, line-in and subwoofer output features.

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Ethernet and Era adapter restrictions

For Era 100 or Era 300 speakers using the Sonos Combo Adapter, Ethernet use depends on how the Beam connects: if Beam is wireless, the Era surrounds cannot use Ethernet; if the home theater speaker is wired, the Era speakers may also use Ethernet. Era 100 Pro has a separate PoE provision: whether Beam must be wired depends on whether the Era speakers use a PoE switch or a PoE injector. Check Sonos’s guidance for the specific wiring arrangement before installation.

Rank #3
Sale
Sonos Era 300 Wireless Smart Speaker with Dolby Atmos - Black
  • Featuring six optimally positioned drivers all around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, the breakthrough acoustic design projects sound from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, immersing you in every dimension of the song.
  • No matter where you are or what you play, the listening experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Custom waveguides disperse sound right, left, forward, and above, creating a sensationally spacious stereo soundstage you can enjoy all around the room.
  • Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter.
  • Experience mind-bending multichannel surround sound when you pair two speakers with Sonos Arc or Beam (Gen 2). Supercharged by Dolby Atmos, the lateral and overhead channels in each product create an all-encompassing soundstage to envelop you in the story.
  • Enjoy free music, original content, and thousands of live stations on Sonos Radio. Play music with hands-free ease and unmatched privacy using Sonos Voice Control. Plus, access new features and services with regular software updates.

App compatibility and older systems

Beam (Gen 2) requires the current Sonos app and is not compatible with the S1 Controller; Beam (Gen 1) works with either the current app or S1, according to Sonos’s app compatibility table. If your system includes older Sonos products, check their app compatibility too before adding a Beam or surrounds.

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Which pair makes sense?

  • For a straightforward current option: choose two Era 100 speakers, explicitly listed for Beam (Gen 2).
  • To reuse eligible speakers: consider a matching pair of Ones or the permitted One and One SL combination. Older-model stock and availability can vary.
  • To integrate speakers into furniture: SYMFONISK models are listed, including the Floor lamp and Table lamp (Gen 2) exception.
  • For portable surrounds: use two Move 2 or two Sonos Play speakers, and follow the microphone, room and app requirements.

Before choosing, identify whether the soundbar is Beam (Gen 1) or Beam (Gen 2), then verify the exact speaker pairing. Prices and current store availability are not established here.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
Sonos Era 100 SL Compact, Microphone-Free Speaker - Black
Sonos Era 100 SL Compact, Microphone-Free Speaker - Black
Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.; Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
$149.00
Bestseller No. 4
Sonos Era 100 SL Compact, Microphone-Free Speaker - White | Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer | Pair Two for Stereo or Add as Soundbar Rears | WiFi | Bluetooth
Sonos Era 100 SL Compact, Microphone-Free Speaker - White | Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer | Pair Two for Stereo or Add as Soundbar Rears | WiFi | Bluetooth
Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.; Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
$189.00
Best Value
Sonos Era 100 - Black - Wireless, Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker | WiFi | Bluetooth | Pair for Stereo or Surround | 47% faster processor | Next-gen dual-tweeter acoustic architecture
  • Powered by a 47% faster processor, the next-gen dual-tweeter acoustic architecture produces detailed stereo separation while a 25% larger midwoofer deepens the bass.¹
  • Place this speaker anywhere and everywhere you want to listen. The compact design fits beautifully on your bookshelf, kitchen counter, desk, or nightstand.
  • Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter.²
  • Go from unboxing to unbelievable sound in just a few minutes. Simply plug in the power cable, connect your phone or tablet to WiFi, and open the Sonos app.
  • With a tap in the Sonos app, Trueplay tuning technology analyzes the unique acoustics of your space and optimizes the speaker’s EQ. So all your content sounds just the way it should.
Rank #4
Sonos Era 100 SL Compact, Microphone-Free Speaker - White | Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer | Pair Two for Stereo or Add as Soundbar Rears | WiFi | Bluetooth
  • Dual angled tweeters and a powerful midwoofer deliver rich, balanced stereo sound with deep bass.
  • The perfect start or addition to your system, Era 100 SL makes Sonos sound more accessible.
  • Stream over WiFi, pair via Bluetooth, or connect a turntable and more with line in.
  • Go from unboxing to incredible sound in minutes with a quick plug-in and the Sonos app
  • Trueplay fine-tunes Era 100 SL for the unique acoustics of the room.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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